Child wants to join religion

[baklavagoddess]

My 8 year old DD has taken a huge interest in a religion, no one in our family is religious, neither are her friends, the religion is common amongst people from her dads side of the family but none of his immediate family practice, she has spent lots of time watching YouTube videos and I've bought her a few books on it, she seems to find that the religion really resonates with her. I know 8 is very young and of course she may change her beliefs later on in life but I was wondering if anyone else had experience with this and what they did to support their dc

Sounds like your DD is genuinely interested and inspired by the values/beliefs in this religion. I would 100% encourage her to explore more. You could take her to a few events/services at a local church and see if her interest grows or wanes.
Personally I believe in reincarnation, so I'd say it's very possible that she has a strong connection to this religion from a past life, and is simply picking it up again in this one.

Support her in her need to find out more. Religion is very personal, and if this fits her she should be supported to do what makes her happy.

Sunday school at a local church?

Are there services locally she could attend with a parent?

Have you watched everything she has watched on youtube? I'd be concerned about misinformation or radicalisation if a lot of her information is coming from youtube.

I oversee what she's watching on YouTube, it's content aimed at children and perfectly suitable, she has also learned about this religion in school

It's not Christianity, I don't believe I'm allowed to take her to a place of worship as I am not a practicing member, I'll have to look into that though!

@FallingStar21 I love that, thank you

What religion?

@Zampanò Islam

I was the child in this situation - got interested in faith from age 9. My parents ( non religious) arranged for me to go to a place of worship regularly.

There was a lot of conflict in my teens though, as they disapproved of my involvement, laughed at me at times and were sometimes hostile.

I think it's really important for parents to keep an open mind and keep communication open in a non judgemental way when their child is exploring faith.

You definitely can take her to a mosque, non-Muslims aren't barred from mosques or anything.

Might be worth contacting your local mosque to explain the situation, I'd imagine they'd be delighted to arrange a local congregation member or mosque leader to meet you and DD and look around the mosque for example.

@Doyoureallyhavetoask I'm so sorry you were not supported, are you still practicing now? I want to do my best to make sure my DD feels free to explore this

@WeightoftheWorld good idea, a family member has good connections with our local mosque as he runs a business next door so I could ask

@baklavagoddess yes still practicing.

It's lovely that you are being so thoughtful about this for your dd.

Muslim here, it's absolutely fine for you to enter a mosque. This situation is not uncommon at all.

Please arrange a visit to the mosque or reach out to parents in your child's class and see what you can find out about the religion and why your child is drawn to it. Please keep an open mind and encourage your child to do the same. This is not uncommon at all. I have two white, British friends- met at different times in my life who've said they knew at Primary school they were Muslim but had to wait until the were older to make the official move over due to family pressure not to convert.

Thank you @feralunderclass

@dimsumfatsum I will do, thank you, she is definitely drawn to it, I bought her a few books about Islam for children on Amazon today so she can read more into it

@Doyoureallyhavetoask thank you

I wouldn't encourage an 8 year old to join a religion.
Children are vulnerable, and religion has powerful indoctrination methods, too sophisticated and heavy to be understood by a child.

I would cultivate her interests from an objective stance, help her explore a range of world religions, including those from outwith the abrahamic group, earth based, Eastern and animistic too.

Much of religion is dangerous, based on gaslighting, shame, and control.
Not things I would want for my child

Don't cultivate. And don't indulge. Hmm and ahh and move on with your day.

Our family is lapsed Catholic, and at around this age our dc was very enthusiastic about Mass, First Holy Communion etc. I think its more about working out who they are and finding their people and place in the community. I was careful to make sure they had a balanced view (some of the Old Testament gives a whole new meaning to Incel and misogyny), but the modern church is much more reflective of modern thinking and equality. I think let her go, but with a trusted chaperone. See if there is a youth group she can join. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, as I have a lot of respect for the Muslims I know, but my only concern would be around predatory extremists, hence the necessity of a trusted chaperone. I say that knowing full well the recent abuse scandals of the Catholic Church.

Hi OP. As an ex Muslim the only thing that I would say is that there are a different sorts of mosques and different vibes at each. Same as churches of course. I would thus find one thats a little more open minded and Liberal. E.g. some mosques have Muslim Scouts for kids so that would be a food type for a child. Some are very traditional and old fashioned and she might not have the best experience. Good luck to her exploring and its so kind of you to let her investigate. I have some beautiful friends who are Muslim (more liberal) so it can be a religion that promotes peace, kindness and love - but you need to find your tribe.